Top 30 Herb Garden Brands in 2024

Introduction Over the years, herb gardening has become an exhilarating and beneficial activity. Growing your herbs offer fresh, natural ingredients for food, beauty, and aromatherapy. However, getting started in herb gardening may seem a daunting task for some, especially for those who have no experience or knowledge on the subject. In this article, we will provide an herb garden buying guide, complete with tips and recommendations to help you start your herb gardening journey. Choosing the Perfect Location The first step to starting an herb garden is to choose the perfect location. When selecting a location for your herb garden, consider the following factors: 1. Access to Sunlight Most herbs require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Thus, it's essential to choose a location that's not shaded by trees or other structures. If you don't have an area in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day, you can still grow herbs that thrive in shady areas. 2. Soil Composition Herbs grow best in soil that's rich in organic matter, loose and well-draining, and has a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Before starting your herb garden, test the soil in your chosen location to determine if it's suitable for herb growth. If the soil is sandy or clay, amend it with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. 3. Water Availability Herbs require regular watering, especially during hot and dry seasons. Choose a location that's accessible to a water source, such as a garden hose or watering can. Ensure the location doesn't get waterlogged or dry out too quickly. 4. Accessibility When selecting a location for your herb garden, consider how easy it is to access the plants. You don't want to plant your herbs in an area that's challenging to reach, as you may miss out on watering or harvesting. Herbs to Grow Once you choose a location for your herb garden, the next step is to decide which herbs to grow. Consider the following: 1. Cooking Herbs Cooking herbs are the most common herbs grown in herb gardens. They're used to flavor food and add aromatic and medicinal value. Common cooking herbs include basil, chives, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, and cilantro. 2. Medicinal Herbs Medicinal herbs have therapeutic properties and help treat ailments and diseases. They're used as teas, tinctures, and infusions. Common medicinal herbs include chamomile, echinacea, lavender, lemon balm, and valerian. 3. Aromatic Herbs Aromatic herbs are grown for their fragrant scents and essential oils. They're used in perfumes, potpourri, aromatherapy, and beauty products. Common aromatic herbs include lavender, lemon verbena, rosemary, sage, thyme, and basil. Where to Buy Herbs There are several places where you can buy herbs for your herb garden. Let's take a look at some of these options: 1. Local Garden Centers Local garden centers are a great place to buy herbs. Not only can you find a selection of plants, but you can also ask experts for advice on growing and caring for herbs. Garden centers often stock common herb varieties and may have a limited selection of unusual or hard-to-find herbs. 2. Online Nurseries Online nurseries offer a wide selection of herb varieties at competitive prices. They often have detailed information on each herb, including growing requirements, care instructions, and usage. When buying herbs online, ensure the supplier ships plants safely and securely, and check for customer reviews and ratings. 3. Farmers Markets Farmers markets offer freshly grown herb plants that you can transplant into your garden. They often sell herbs that are hard to find in stores or nurseries. Farmers markets are also an ideal place to ask vendors for advice on growing herbs. 4. Seed Suppliers If you're starting an herb garden from scratch, consider buying herb seeds from a reputable seed supplier. Seed suppliers offer a wide selection of herb varieties at a lower cost than live plants. Research the best seed suppliers to ensure you get high-quality seeds that will germinate and grow well. Herb Garden Maintenance Maintaining an herb garden requires regular care and attention. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your herb garden: 1. Watering Herbs need regular watering, especially in hot and dry climates. Water your herbs when the soil is dry to the touch, but don't overwater or let the soil become waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. 2. Fertilizing Herbs require nutrients to grow healthy and strong. You can fertilize your herbs using organic matter, such as compost or manure, or with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause foliage growth at the expense of flavor and aroma. 3. Pruning Pruning your herbs regularly helps maintain their shape and encourages healthy growth. Remove damaged or diseased leaves and stems promptly to prevent the spread of infection. Pinch back the tips of growing stems to encourage branching and bushy growth. 4. Harvesting Harvest your herbs regularly to promote new growth and prevent the plants from becoming woody or leggy. Gather herbs in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, but before the sun is too hot. Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the stems just above a node, leaving enough leaves for the plant to regrow. Conclusion Starting an herb garden can be a rewarding experience that provides fresh, natural ingredients for food, aromatherapy, and beauty. Consider the location, type, and source of herbs when starting your herb garden. Choose a location that offers access to sunlight, soil composition, water availability, and accessibility. Consider the type of herbs you want to grow, such as cooking, medicinal, or aromatic herbs. Buy herbs from local garden centers, online nurseries, farmers markets, or seed suppliers. Maintain your herb garden by watering, fertilizing, pruning, and harvesting regularly. By following this herb garden buying guide, you'll be well on your way to growing a healthy, thriving herb garden.